BEING A MARINE

From the day young men and women first earn the right to call themselves Marines, they take their place in an extremely proud heritage, and they will remain part of it forever. Expressed in our motto, Semper Fidelis, ours is a family that looks after its own in every way. Whether a Marine remains in the Corps for a few years or an entire career, he or she will retain the benefits earned by keeping this nation safe and free. By becoming one of us, your title will be your membership into an everlasting brotherhood of warriors —those who will stand by you in battle will never leave your side.

A Marine Corps Career

A career in the Marine Corps allows young men and women the opportunity to travel and take on responsibilities like no other. Assignments are given according to the needs of the Marine Corps. Enlisted Marines attend specialized training schools and can receive advanced education or be assigned to Special Duty. Officers seek assignments that will give them a balance of command experience, combat experience and joint staff appointments.

Roles in the Corps

The Marine Corps is only as capable as each and every Marine. That's why all Marines have a specific role for which they are optimally trained, in support of the overall mission. As one of the Few, there are many ways to serve in the air, on land and at sea, but regardless of your area of expertise, you will forever be known by the title you earn, United States Marine.

Leadership Traits

No Marine passes through our gates without gaining leadership traits that can be called upon throughout a lifetime. Judgment, Integrity and Tact are a few of the leadership traits that not only make for outstanding Marines—they make for upstanding citizens. Find out about the traits instilled in every Marine that make them successful leaders on the battlefield and in the community.

Leadership Principles

Officers evaluate their leadership strengths and weaknesses against the 11 Leadership Principles—a list of objectives all officers live by. Because officers lead by example in everything they do, they must strive to be the living embodiment of everything the 11 Leadership Principles stand for. In doing so, officers are better prepared to determine the best course of action for any given situation.

Success Stories

There is no such thing as an ex-Marine. By earning our title, you take your place among a proud lineage of warriors, a vast network of Marines both in and out of uniform, ready and willing to help you succeed in every possible way. There is no better testament to the solid foundation we imbue than the countless number of Marines no longer on active duty who credit their successes to the skills and lessons learned in the Corps. These are just some of those stories.

Daily Life

Being a Marine is a full-time commitment, as those who earn our title are expected to conduct themselves in a manner befitting of a Marine at all times. But this doesn't mean Marines are constantly locked at attention. Here you can explore the side of Marine life that exists outside of formation, where with friends and family, Marines are able to enjoy the way of life they help to defend.

Benefits

The Marine Corps takes care of its own, providing Marines with the skills, education and financial security to succeed as warriors and citizens. If you become one of us, we will invest in you and your future. While in and out of uniform, you will be able to enjoy the way of life you defend.